AGP Executive Report

Future Frames at Karlovy Vary: European Film Promotion’s “Future Frames – Generation NEXT” returns to the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (3–11 July) with 10 emerging directors and a new main partner, Allwyn, spotlighting fresh European voices through screenings, industry meetings, and networking. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Slovenian guard Stefan Joksimović was MVP at adidas Eurocamp, while BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana doubled as a regional statement—Pavel Dailidko defended his heavyweight title and Mohamed Said Maalem captured light heavyweight gold. Cycling Watch: Under-23 world champion Lorenzo Finn is the standout favourite for the Giro Next Gen (starts 14 June), with Slovenia’s Jakob Omrzel and Jakob Omrzel’s fellow WorldTour step-up riders among the key names. Local Life & Culture: Night crews are being added to ease A1 motorway bottlenecks near Postojna, and a report on kindergarten access highlights a gap for Roma children in Šentjernej. Music & Media: Eurovision 2026 saw a major ratings drop to 131 million viewers amid boycotts, while Best Medicine continues to expand internationally, with Slovenia among the CEE buyers.

European Cinema Spotlight: EFP’s “Future Frames” returns to the Karlovy Vary Film Festival with 10 young European filmmakers and short-film screenings plus industry networking, backed by Creative Europe’s MEDIA. MMA in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF 106 in Hala Tivoli underlined the promotion’s Balkan momentum, with Pavel Dailidko defending his heavyweight title by first-round TKO and Mohamed Said Maalem taking the light heavyweight belt. Slovenian Outdoor Wellness: Lake Bled is highlighted among Europe’s top cold-water swimming escapes, drawing adventure travelers to glacial, clear-water dips. Sports TV Buzz (Darts): The World Cup of Darts 2026 kicks off June 11 in Germany, with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries teaming up for England; Sky Sports and NOW TV will carry it. World Cup Build-Up: A big “everything you need to know” guide covers the 2026 tournament’s media, politics, tickets and matchday basics as friendlies wrap up. Slovenia in Film/TV Deals: Banijay Kids & Family expands CEE distribution, with RTV Slovenija picking up preschool and family titles including Moominvalley.

World Cup Build-Up: International friendlies keep rolling today with Netherlands vs Uzbekistan, France vs Northern Ireland, and Spain vs Peru as teams make final tune-ups ahead of the June 11 FIFA kickoff. Croatia-Slovenia Football Buzz: Croatia’s Zlatko Dalić says he already knows his XI for the England opener after a 2-1 friendly win over Slovenia, while Luka Modrić’s goal and Croatia’s defensive questions set the tone. Slovenian Sports Spotlight: Climbing star Janja Garnbret becomes the first woman to complete the Bibliographie (9b+), praising patience after a tough outdoor climb in France. Kids & Family Media: Banijay Kids & Family lands new CEE distribution deals, with RTV Slovenija picking up preschool and family titles including Little Princess and Moominvalley. Film & Culture: Animafest Zagreb 2026 opens with about 300 animated films and major international guests, including Lifetime Achievement honoree Joanna Quinn. Social Media Rules: A wave of countries moves to restrict minors’ social media access, following Australia’s under-16 ban. Music & Arts: Nova Linea Musica wraps its 2025–26 season with a concert featuring Slovenian composers and folk-inspired classical arrangements.

Croatia vs Slovenia World Cup warm-up: Croatia closed preparations with a 2-1 friendly win over Slovenia in Varaždin. Luka Modrić: scored early in the second half, but Slovenia equalized after a mistake from Croatia’s Martin Baturina. Mario Pašalić: sealed it with a late volley as Croatia switched from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1. Croatia’s World Cup focus: coach Zlatko Dalić says he already knows his starting XI for the England opener and insists Andrej Kramarić is fully fit. Slovenia spotlight beyond football: President Nataša Pirc Musar accused Israel of genocide and ordered the Palestinian flag to fly at the presidential palace after it was removed from parliament. MMA in Ljubljana: Pavel Dailidko defended his BRAVE CF heavyweight title with a first-round stoppage of Miha Frlić at Hala Tivoli. Media & sport viewing: Eurovision TV audiences reportedly fell by about 35 million, even as online engagement surged.

Croatia vs Slovenia Friendly: Croatia closed World Cup warm-ups with a 2-1 home win over Slovenia in Varaždin, with Luka Modrić scoring after the restart as both sides fine-tuned squads ahead of the 2026 tournament. Presidential Politics & Israel-Palestine: Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar accused Israel of genocide and ordered the Palestinian flag to fly outside the presidential palace after it was removed from parliament by the new pro-Israel government. EU Policy: The European Commission rolled out the 2026 European Semester Spring Package, pushing member states toward resilience, competitiveness, housing fixes, and skills while keeping fiscal sustainability in focus. Eurovision Buzz: Eurovision TV audiences fell to about 131 million, down roughly 35 million from 2025, even as social media views surged. Combat Sports in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF returned to Slovenia with BRAVE CF 106, where Pavel Dailidko defended his heavyweight title with a quick stoppage over Miha Frlić. Sport Spotlight: Melissa Moon shared how she relaxes between elite mountain races—turning to massage—after winning two world mountain running championships.

Palestine in the spotlight: Slovenia’s President Nataša Pirc Musar says she’s raising the Palestinian flag at the Presidential Palace after the new government removed it from parliament, calling Gaza and the West Bank “not living in peace and dignity.” Diplomacy update: Slovenia’s new foreign minister Tone Kajzer publicly thanked India’s S. Jaishankar and invited him to visit, signaling a push to deepen ties. MMA in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF 106 returns to Slovenia with Pavel Dailidko defending his heavyweight title by stopping Miha Frlić in the first round at Hala Tivoli. Eurovision fallout: Eurovision 2026 drew 131M TV viewers across 35 markets—down 35M year-on-year—after boycotts by Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands over Israel’s participation. Sports on the move: Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes (the renamed Dauphiné) kicks off with Paul Seixas in focus as Tour favorites like Pogačar and Vingegaard sit out; meanwhile, canoeist Martina Satková won silver in Prague.

Eurovision Fallout: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna pulled in 131M TV viewers across 35 markets—down 35M year-on-year—after boycotts by Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands over Israel’s participation; Bulgaria’s DARA won with “Bangaranga,” while Austria saw its biggest-ever audience. Slovenia–Israel Shift: Hours after Janez Janša’s government took office, Israel announced it will open its first embassy in Ljubljana; Foreign Minister Tone Kajzer invited India’s Jaishankar earlier this week, and Slovenia’s new leadership is signaling a more “quiet diplomacy” approach. Sports Spotlight (Slovenia): BRAVE CF 106 is set for Hala Tivoli in Ljubljana with a stacked card, including heavyweight title defense Pavel Dailidko vs Miha Frlic. Cycling Watch: Tadej Pogačar’s Tour plans may be affected as João Almeida says he “wouldn’t be ready” for the Tour after illness, though he returns for Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. Local Outdoors: A Prague canoeing highlight saw Martina Satková take silver.

Eurovision Fallout: Eurovision 2026 in Vienna drew 131M TV viewers across 35 markets—down 35M year-on-year—after boycotts by Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland and the Netherlands over Israel’s participation; Bulgaria’s DARA won with “Bangaranga,” while online engagement still topped 2.75B social views. Slovenia–Israel Pivot: Hours after Janez Janša’s government took office, Israel announced it will open its first embassy in Ljubljana; the move follows a fresh diplomatic reset after Slovenia previously turned away an Israeli jet. Palestinian Flag Row: Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar raised the Palestinian flag at the Presidential Palace for a week after the PM removed it from the main government building, calling Gaza and the West Bank unresolved. MMA in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF 106’s full 10-bout card is set for Hala Tivoli, headlined by Pavel Dailidko vs Miha Frlic in a home-soaked world title showdown. Sports Spotlight: FIBA says it still plans the 2027 Basketball World Cup in Qatar despite regional war risks.

Slovenian Politics & Diplomacy: Israel has announced it will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana, a move timed to the swearing-in of Prime Minister Janez Janša’s new right-wing government and framed by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar as a reset after years of strained ties. Government Transition: Slovenia also completed a formal handover at the Ministry of the Economy, Labour and Sport, with Anže Logar taking over and folding labour policy into the ministry’s remit. Eurovision Buzz: Eurovision 2026 in Vienna drew 131 million viewers worldwide—down 35 million from 2025—amid boycotts and withdrawals, including Slovenia. Sports Spotlight: BRAVE CF confirmed its full 10-bout lineup for BRAVE CF 106 in Ljubljana on June 6, bringing more European MMA attention to Slovenia. Arts & Culture: A new documentary, “Tito: The Butcher of the 20th Century,” is highlighted for challenging myths about Tito’s Yugoslavia, including focus on mass graves in Slovenia. Travel & Lifestyle: Viking unveiled new European river-journey add-ons, including Zeppelin airship excursions over Germany’s Rhine routes.

World Cup Buzz: Group E preview has Germany as the headline act, but Ecuador and Ivory Coast are ready to pounce, with Curaçao adding first-time intrigue. Slovenia Sports & Culture: BRAVE CF 106 lands in Ljubljana on June 6 at Hala Tivoli, headlined by Pavel Dailidko vs Miha Frlic and Erko Jun vs Mohamed Said Maalem. Local Politics: Slovenia’s parliament approved Janez Janša’s right-wing government, a major shift after the March election stalemate. Israel-Slovenia Diplomacy: After Janša’s win, Israel’s foreign minister says the country will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana, following a recent flight ban dispute. Tech & Business: Nvidia has acquired Kumo AI, a startup co-founded by Slovenian scientist Jure Leskovec, in a reported $400m+ deal. Arts Spotlight: British artist Phil Collins’ video exhibition opens at Ljubljana’s Cukrarna gallery, mixing moving image, music, performance, and political commentary. Fashion: Central Saint Martins’ BA Fashion 2026 show delivered big ideas and bigger backstage chaos.

Diplomacy & Politics: Israel says it will open its first-ever embassy in Ljubljana after Slovenia’s new right-wing government takes office, reversing earlier tensions that included bans on Israeli officials under the previous administration. Aviation Flashpoint: Earlier, Slovenia refused an Israeli charter flight landing in Ljubljana, forcing it to divert to Zagreb—sparking claims of political motivation from Israeli officials. Arts & Culture: More than 100 Venice Biennale artists say they’ll pursue legal action over being included against their wishes in the “Visitors’ Lions” awards, after repeated requests to withdraw went unanswered. Music in Ljubljana: British artist Phil Collins launches a video exhibition at Cukrarna, mixing moving image, music, performance, and political commentary. Sports Night in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF 106 returns to Slovenia on June 6 at Hala Tivoli, headlined by Pavel Dailidko vs Miha Frlic and Erko Jun vs Mohamed Said Maalem. Tech & Business: Nvidia has acquired Kumo AI, a startup co-founded by Slovenian scientist Jure Leskovec, in a deal reported at $400m+.

Tourism Pressure Relief: Amsterdam is capping tourist overnight stays at 20 million a year and limiting cruise calls, as other hotspots like Barcelona, Dubrovnik and Santorini roll out booking systems and crowd controls. Local Politics & Alleged Corruption: Moravče mayor Milan Balažic has been detained on suspicion of bribery tied to municipal zoning changes, with court steps and appeals now in motion. Slovenia in the Spotlight (Aviation): Slovenia blocked an Israir flight from landing in Ljubljana, forcing it to divert to Zagreb, with both sides trading accusations of political interference. Arts & Culture: Pianist Sun Youl is reshaping his practice after a teacher’s challenge, and will perform as Mapo Arts Center’s 2026 artist in residence. Live Entertainment in Ljubljana: BRAVE CF 106 returns to Hala Tivoli with world-title bouts, including Pavel Dailidko defending against Miha Frlic. Sports (Slovenian Talent Abroad): Texas A&M added Slovenian Davis Cup player Bor Artnak to its men’s tennis roster. Media & Policy: The outgoing Slovenian government approved EUR 4 million to co-finance journalists’ wages in 2026-27 under the new Media Act.

World Cup 2026 Referees Spotlight: Romania’s Istvan Kovacs (41) and France’s Clement Turpin are profiled ahead of the tournament, with both described as seasoned top-level officials. Slovenia–Israel Aviation Clash: Slovenia blocked an Israir flight planned for Ljubljana, forcing it to divert to Zagreb, with the carrier calling it political and citing EU air-agreement issues. Art & Awards Fallout: Over 100 participants threaten legal action against the Venice Biennale Foundation over “Visitor Lion” awards, alleging they weren’t removed from voting ballots after withdrawal requests. Media Policy: The Slovenian government allocates EUR 4 million to co-finance journalists’ wages in 2026–27 under the new Media Act. Tech & Local Innovation: HeroLabs’ MooHero smart cow collar wins Slovenian Startup of the Year 2026. Sports Culture: Jalen Brunson’s Knicks run is framed as a shot at NBA Finals glory—and possible “greatest Knick ever” status. Schengen Movement: The EU Commission urges Schengen states, including Slovenia, to phase out internal border checks as systems like EES reduce the need for controls.

Slovenia Passport Upgrade: Slovenia has rolled out a new generation of passports with 100+ security features, updated biometrics, and a redesigned look—plus a QR code to verify validity. Schengen Pressure Point: The EU Commission has urged nine Schengen countries, including Slovenia, to phase out internal border checks, stressing they must stay temporary and proportionate. Healthcare Wait Times: An OECD report highlights how long patients wait for specialist care across Europe—citing Slovenia’s hip replacement wait of nearly two years (667 days). Basketball Youth Spotlight: Slovenia is set to compete in the FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 in Trentino/Stockholm formats, with Slovenia listed in Group C for the U18 Women’s event. Sports & Culture Mix: Croatia and Belgium continue World Cup warm-up testing ahead of June matches, while Slovenia’s arts scene keeps moving—from a Ljubljana museum exhibition to Eurovision-related commentary.

AI & Global Media: “The Chosen” translation push is using a new AI tool to scale the biblical drama into hundreds of languages, aiming for 600 languages and access for 95% of the world. World Cup Warm-ups: Belgium beat Croatia 2-0 in Rijeka, with Youri Tielemans scoring and Romelu Lukaku adding a late second as both sides fine-tune for the tournament. Slovenia Spotlight: Slovenia rolled out a redesigned passport with 100+ security features, updated biometrics, and a QR code for validity checks. Basketball (Youth): Türkiye named Omer Kutluay and Darius Karutasu in its FIBA U17 World Cup roster; meanwhile, FIBA U18 EuroBasket 2026 in Trentino lists Slovenia in Group C. Sports Business: Luka Dončić and Donnie Nelson bought Italian club Vanoli Cremona and plan a Rome move tied to NBA Europe. Fashion: Sweden’s Fashion Council added five new designers to its pre-incubator pipeline, including LLL and Love is Shouty but Iconic. Local Sports: Connacht GAA’s AirDome in Galway was inflated again after Storm Éowyn damage, with a Slovenia-made cover helping restoration.

Slovenian Identity Update: Slovenia has rolled out redesigned passports with 100+ security features, upgraded biometric protections, a new visual identity, and a QR code for validity checks—while existing passports stay valid until expiry. Eurovision Politics & Culture: Eurovision’s 2026 boycott and Israel-related non-recognition debate is framed as a legal-and-cultural question about how neutrality holds up when a music contest becomes part of state legitimacy and public diplomacy. Sports Spotlight: Luka Dončić has become a part-owner of Italy’s Vanoli Cremona, backing a plan to bring “NBA Europe” to Rome. Cycling Buzz: Jonas Vingegaard won the Giro d’Italia in Rome, completing the rare triple Grand Tour club. Arts & Heritage: A Ljubljana museum opened an “Embroidered Ukraine” exhibition, spotlighting traditional dress and family histories. Film & History: A new documentary, “Tito: The Butcher of the 20th Century,” revisits WWII-era mass killings in Slovenia’s Kočevski Rog region. Music Charts: Mali’s Tuareg band Tamikrest hit No. 1 on Europe’s World Music Charts with “Assikel.”